Major depressive disorder is associated with type 2 diabetes in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection

Abstract

Background – Major depressive disorder (MDD) is commonly reported in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC); however, the factors behind the co-occurrence of these conditions have not been completely clarified yet. Objective – We aimed to evaluate the frequency of mental disorders in CHC patients and to investigate variables associated with MDD. Methods – CHC patients (n=151) attending a referral Centre for hepatitis were evaluated using the Mini-International Neuropsychiatry Interview and the Cut-Annoyed-Guilty-Eye (CAGE) Questionnaire. Multivariate analysis was used to evaluate independent covariates associated with current MDD. Results – Seventy-six (50.3%) patients had, at least, one current psychiatric diagnosis with MDD (33.1%) being the most common. Current MDD was independently associated with age (≤50 yr.) (OR=2.57; 95%CI=1.25–5.29; P=0.01) and type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR=2.80, 95%CI=1.17–6.70; P=0.02). Cirrhosis was associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (OR=5.09; 95%CI=1.73–15.04; P=0.03) and current alcohol abuse/dependence (OR=2.54; 95%CI=1.04–6.22; P=0.04). Discussion – MDD is associated with type 2 diabetes in CHC patients. Even in the direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) era, characterized by great perspectives for the first ample cure of a chronic viral infection, we should ensure that the screening for psychiatric disorders takes place in the course of routine clinical care of patients chronically infected with hepatitis C virus.